Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said the missile struck infrastructure in the western Lviv region, close to the EU border, and travelled approximately 1,800 kilometres in just 12 to 13 minutes, reaching speeds exceeding 10,000 kilometres per hour.

The SBU released photographs of missile fragments recovered near Lviv, stating that investigators had identified key components of the Oreshnik system, including the stabilisation and guidance unit, engine parts, orientation mechanism fragments and nozzles from the warhead separation platform. Ukrainian officials said the strike targeted life-support infrastructure during severe winter conditions, worsening humanitarian risks in the region.

Lviv mayor Andrii Sadovyi confirmed that a ballistic missile hit critical infrastructure, initially saying the weapon's exact type was under investigation before authorities identified it as the Oreshnik. Russian military bloggers claimed the missile targeted an underground natural gas storage facility near key supply routes used for Western military aid entering Ukraine from Poland, though Moscow has not officially confirmed the target.

The missile strike formed part of a wider Russian assault involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said at least four civilians were killed in Kyiv, while nearly half of the capital was left without heating amid sub-zero temperatures. Residential buildings, energy facilities and diplomatic premises were damaged, including the Qatari embassy.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a "clear response" from Ukraine's allies, warning that Russia responds only to firm international pressure. The attack comes as peace efforts remain stalled and tensions between Moscow and Washington continue over sanctions and long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.

The Oreshnik missile, named after the Russian word for hazel tree, is believed to have a range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometres, placing much of Europe within reach. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the system as impossible to intercept, capable of carrying multiple warheads and travelling at hypersonic speed, likening its descent to a meteorite. While Moscow claims conventional use does not cause nuclear contamination, Western analysts say the missile could be adapted to carry nuclear payloads.

Ukraine said the missile was launched from Russia's Kapustin Yar test range near Volgograd. The United States has described the Oreshnik as an experimental weapon based on the RS-26 Rubezh missile design, noting that while its speed offers significant psychological impact, its warheads lack the manoeuvrability of newer hypersonic glide vehicles. Russia first used the Oreshnik in a strike on Dnipro in November 2024, making the Lviv attack a rare but significant escalation in the conflict.
(With AFP inputs)